FAQ and resources

The terminology below may be helpful if you are new to scouting. The definitions are listed as defined by Boy Scouts of Americus. The information in parenthesis is specific to Pack 21.

Dens

A small group of Cub Scouts who are the same gender and in the same grade.  The ideal size is 6 to 8 Cub Scouts. 

Den Leaders

An adult, usually a parent, serves as a Den Leader. They carry out the activities related to adventures as they are presented in the Cub Scout’s handbook and the Den Leader Guide.

Pack (Pack 21)

The pack is made up of several dens.  The make up and size of the pack varies based on local interest and resources. Each pack is identified by a number.

Cubmaster (Jason Williams)

The leader of the pack meeting is the Cubmaster.  In addition to serving as the master of ceremonies the Cubmaster provides support to Den Leaders.

Pack Committee

Made up of parents, leaders, and other caring adults the pack committee works to support den leaders and the Cubmaster.  

Pack Committee Chair (Matthew Stewart)

The top volunteer in the pack is the Pack Committee Chair.  They are responsible for ensuring enough qualified adult volunteers are in place to provide the program.  They lead the pack committee meetings.

Chartered Organization (Americus Kiwanis Club)

This is the organization that partners with the Boy Scouts of America to deliver a Scouting program.  They adopt Scouting to serve the youth in the community.

Chartered Organization Representative (Mark Grimes)

This person appoints the Pack Committee Chair and approves all adult leaders.  They provide resources from the chartered organization.

How much does it cost to join Cub Scouts? 

The initial registration fee to join Cub Scouts is $100. This includes a one time registration fee of $25 and an annual fee of $75. These fees are paid to the national office of Boy Scouts of America. The annual fee may be prorated for those joining later in the year.

Are there additional dues after the initial signup fees? 

At this time, the annual dues for Pack 21 are $125 per scout. This includes the annual fee of $75 that is paid to the national office. 

What if I cannot afford the dues? 

If you are unable to afford dues, we will work with you to develop a payment plan and/or arrange a scholarship. Our goal is that noone will be turned away due to financial constraints.

How much does Scout Life magazine cost? 

Scout Life is currently available for $15 per year. You can subscribe when you complete registration.

Which uniform does my scout need and how much will it cost? 

The uniform will vary based on your scout's age. The cost will vary based on the style. You can learn more about which uniform your scout will need here. Currently, uniform shirts range from approximately $15-50. There is a uniform closet at the scout hut containing donated uniforms, These are available on a first come, first served basis.

How much will my scout's handbook cost? 

The handbook will cost approximately $10-30, depending on the rank, You may use a pre-owned handbook, provided it is the correct version. You can learn more about the correct handbook here.

What gear will I need for camping? 

At a bare minimum, you will need tents, sleeping bags, and flashlights. We recommend that each family have one or more tents. Each camper will need their own sleeping bag. The scout hut supply closet does contain a small number of tents, cots, and sleeping bags available to borrow on a first come, first served basis.

How much does it cost to go camping? 

The costs for each campout will vary. Cub Family Weekend, the council's annual fall campout, typically costs $35 for one scout, plus $10 for each additional scout in the family, plus the cost of food. For most campouts, the pack cooks together to lower the cost of food and encourage socializing.

How much does Pinewood Derby cost? 

Pinewood Derby car kits currently start at about $7. You can add accessories that raise the cost, but these are optional. The average Pinewood Derby car will cost around $10.

What type of service projects does Pack 21 perform? 

Pack 21 participates in a variety of service projects including an annual food drive, community cleanup projects, placing flags and wreaths on graves at Andersonville, and other projects.

Does Pack 21 participate in parades?

Yes. Pack 21 leads the annual Kiwanis Pet Parade in October. Pack 21 also participates in the annual Americus Christmas Parade in December.

What gear is needed for hiking? 

For hiking, each person will need closed toed shoes with a god tread, such as hiking boots or athletic shoes. For hiking and other outdoor activities, you will also need the Six Essentials: a filled water bottle, trail food, sun protection, first aid kit, whistle, and flashlight. We always use the buddy system when hiking. 

What gear will I need for camping? 

At a bare minimum, you will need tents, sleeping bags, and flashlights. We recommend that each family have one or more tents. Each camper will need their own sleeping bag. The scout hut supply closet does contain a small number of tents, cots, and sleeping bags available to borrow on a first come, first served basis.

How much does it cost to go camping? 

The costs for each campout will vary. Cub Family Weekend, the council's annual fall campout, typically costs $35 for one scout, plus $10 for each additional scout in the family, plus the cost of food. For most campouts, the pack cooks together to lower the cost of food and encourage socializing.

Who may share tents? 

Tents may be shared by: 

• children who are the same gender and no more than 2 years apart in age

• adults of the same gender

•  members of the same household  

How much does Pinewood Derby cost? 

Pinewood Derby car kits currently start at about $7. You can add accessories that raise the cost, but these are optional. The average Pinewood Derby car will cost around $10.

When do you use the buddy system? 

The buddy system is used when hiking and for other outdoor activities.

When do scouts start using pocket knives? 

Pocket knife safety is taught to scouts 3rd grade and older. Scouts must complete the pocket knife safety coure before they may carry pocket knives. The privilege to carry a pocket knife can be revoked if a scout is not using the knife safely.

When do scouts learn tool safety? 

Tool safety training begins in 3rd grade.

When do scouts start learning about knots and rope care? 

Scouts start to learn knots in 2nd grade. More advanced knots are learned each year thereafter. 5th grade scouts learn also learn more advanced rope care.

When is fire safety taught? 

Fire safety is taught at all levels of Cub Scouts. However, only scouts 4th grade or older may start or tend a fire.

Who may share tents? 

Tents may be shared by: 

• children who are the same gender and no more than 2 years apart in age

• adults of the same gender

•  members of the same household  

Are background checks done on leaders? 

Yes, all adult leaders have passed a background check. Permission has also been granted for the BSA to conduct additional background checks at a later date if needed. Adult leaders have also completed Youth Protection Training.

What is the minimum number of adults present? 

We use "Two-Deep Leadership". There will always be a minimum of 2 non-related adults present for any meeting or activity. For purposes of "Two-Deep Leadership", a married couple counts as 1 adult.

Do you allow one-on-one contact between adults and children? 

No. With the exception of an adult's own child, we do not allow one-on-one contact between adults and children. 

Can a vehicle with just one adult be used to drive scouts to a meeting or event? 

Yes, provided the adult has more than one scout and/ or is only driving his/her own children. 

What is the minimum age for Cub Scouts? 

Cub Scouts must be at least 5 years old as of the start of the school year. Children who turn 5 during the school year may register on or after June 1.

What is the maximum age for Cub Scots? 

The maximum age for Cub Scouts is 11 years old. Children who are 12 or older should join Scouts BSA.

My child is in 5th grade. Should my child join Cub Scouts or Scouts BSA? 

Scouts in 5th grade may choose to join Scouts BSA instead of Cub Scouts if one or more of the following applies:

•  the youth is 11 years old or older 

• the youth has completed the Arrow of Light 

• the youth registers after March 1 and is at least 10 years old

Can girls join Pack 21? 

Yes. As of September 2023, Pack 21 is open to all children, regardless of gender.

What is the minimum age for adult leaders? 

Adult leaders must be 18 or older. For some positions, the minimum age is 21.

Who can be an adult leader? 

Cub Scout leaders must be legal residents of the U.S. and must pass a background check. Leaders also agree to abide by the Scout Oath and Scout Law. The minimum age to register as an adult leader is 18. For some positions, the minimum age is 21.

Are there youth leaders in Cub Scouts? 

Yes. Active Scouts BSA troop members may serve as Den Chiefs who assist adult leaders. These youth leaders have been approved by both their troop leadership and pack leadership.

Are background checks done on adult leaders? 

Yes, all adult leaders have passed a background check. Permission has also been granted for the BSA to conduct additional background checks at a later date if needed. Adult leaders have also completed Youth Protection Training.

How often do leaders complete Youth Protection Training? 

Youth Protection Training must be renewed every 2 years.

What is the minimum number of adults present? 

We use "Two-Deep Leadership". There will always be a minimum of 2 non-related adults present for any meeting or activity. For purposes of "Two-Deep Leadership", a married couple counts as 1 adult.

Do you allow one-on-one contact between adults and children? 

No. With the exception of an adult's own child, we do not allow one-on-one contact between adults and children. 

Can a vehicle with just one adult be used to drive scouts to a meeting or event? 

Yes, provided the adult has more than one scout and/ or is only driving his/her own children. 

BeAScout.org The recruitment site for Boy Scouts of America

Scoutbook The advancement tracking tool for BSA programs

Youth Protection Training Required training for all adult leaders; recommended for all parents as well

Boy Scouts of America General information about Cub Scouts and other BSA programs

South Georgia Council The BSA council serving Sumter County and the surrounding area

Scout Shop Official Retailer of the BSA

Scouting Wire The Official Blog of the Scouting Movement. 

Scouts BSA Troop 21 The Scouts BSA Troop for our charter organization

The History of Scouting in South Georgia Local scouting history